Factors Affecting Aboveground Carbon Storage in Mixed Oak-Pine Forests: A Multiple Regression Analysis of Southeastern U.S. Forest Inventory Data

Nishka Shah

This study investigated the factors affecting aboveground carbon storage in mixed oak-pine forests of the southeastern United States, with a particular focus on the influence of stand age. Using data from 946 Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plots collected from 2009 to 2019, a multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the relative importance of various forest and topographic variables on carbon sequestration. After data cleaning and model validation, results indicated that basal area (a proxy for stand age) was the most significant predictor of carbon storage, showing a strong positive relationship. Tree density demonstrated a significant negative relationship, while species diversity and structural diversity both showed positive but less influential relationships with carbon storage. The logarithmically transformed model explained 97.6% of the variance in carbon storage, with minimal overfitting confirmed through cross-validation. These findings provide valuable guidance for forest managers seeking to optimize carbon sequestration in southeastern oak-pine ecosystems. Management strategies should prioritize the maintenance of mature stands while controlling tree density to reduce competition. Additionally, promoting both species and structural diversity at intermediate levels could enhance carbon storage capacity, potentially increasing the role these forests play in regional climate mitigation efforts.